We’ve released a new report titled ‘The New World of Travel’. Bringing together our global flight search data and expert opinion, the report explores some of the most important travel and aviation trends impacting the sector right now.
Moshe Rafiah, Skyscanner’s CEO said of the report’s publication; “Where they are able and willing, travellers are pioneering new ways to explore the world. Whether it’s shortening the timeframe in which they plan and take a trip, tackling complex risk assessments before deciding to travel, or expecting previously unseen levels of clarity to ensure confidence in their booking, the new shape of travel is emerging. As an industry we have a unique opportunity to not only help travellers navigate this new world, but to work collaboratively to ensure a swift, safe and sustainable recovery.”
The report reveals that while the travel industry is facing significant immediate challenges, travellers have been fast to adapt, with pent-up demand prevalent across the globe. It also shares how critical it is that the industry, governments and providers consider this crucial moment to redefine how travel should return.
Global travel trends
One-way. Domestic. Within a month. Analysis of Skyscanner’s data reveals three seismic shifts in the way that travellers are searching for flights in 2020. Searches for one-way travel peaked in March but continue to trend upward, with domestic travel intent increasing globally against a backdrop of changing travel restrictions. And amid ongoing uncertainty, travellers are also looking to get away in much shorter timeframes than ever before.
Economics of travel
Search patterns for domestic, regional and international flights indicate that recovery will be multispeed, tied to the global economy and driven by low cost carriers. Skyscanner’s executives predict that previously disruptive players will lead the category’s recovery, owing to their business operations and point to point models. At the same time, the decline in business travel revenues for other airlines calls for a rethink of this part of the industry.
Psychology of travel
A new, complex decision-making process has emerged amongst those willing to travel and it relates to their individual appetite to risk. Factors across five categories – health, financial, social, ethical and recreational are now top of mind. This is shaping a new demographic of travellers – male travellers are more likely to book than female (54%) and those with children are more likely to book than those without (55%) according to Skyscanner’s Covid-19 traveller sentiment data. As health factors continue to be one of the biggest barriers, restoring trust and confidence is essential for the sector’s recovery.
New shape of travel
Research reveals that sustainable travel concerns are no longer top of mind for many travellers. But as destinations previously suffering from overtourism begin to re-open, the sector has a unique opportunity to redesign old travel patterns for the benefit of local communities, the environment and tourists alike. Skyscanner is pioneering new ways to encourage more conscious and meaningful trips as the new shape of travel emerges.
Download a copy of the full report here.
